Dopamine receptors in C. elegans

Eur J Pharmacol. 2004 Oct 1;500(1-3):159-66. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2004.07.021.

Abstract

Dopamine regulates various physiological functions in the central nervous system and the periphery. Dysfunction of the dopamine system is implicated in a wide variety of disorders and behaviors including schizophrenia, addiction, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Medications that modulate dopamine signaling have therapeutic efficacy on the treatment of these disorders. However, the causes of these disorders and the role of dopamine are still unclear. Studying the dopamine system in a model organism, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, allows the genetic analysis in a simple and well-described nervous system, which may provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of dopamine signaling. In this review, we summarize recent findings on pharmacological and biochemical properties of the C. elegans dopamine receptors and their physiological role in the control of behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology*
  • Dopamine / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Receptors, Dopamine / genetics
  • Receptors, Dopamine / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Receptors, Dopamine
  • Dopamine